Clothesline construction



June 22, 1955 H. HARTsHoRN ETAL 3,190,455

CLOTHESLINE CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 29. 1963 3,190,455 CLTHESLINE CONSTRUCTEON Harold Hartshorn and Manuel Sousa, Johnston, Rl., as-

signors to Ram-Rah, Inc., a corporation of Rhode Island Filed Eau. 29, 1963, Ser. No. 254,717 2 Claims. (Cl. 211-119.03)

The present invention relates to a clothesline construction. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clothesline construction which includes spaced pulleys in which the clothesline is mounted, the axes of the pulleys being inclined to the vertical such that the clothesline is prevented from inadvertent removal therefrom during movement of the clothesline on the pulleys.

The clothesline construction embodied herein is designed to retain twice the amount of clothes thereon within a given space than prior known clothesline assemblies, and for this purpose utilizes a twin line arrangement. Since a twin line arrangement is provided in the invention herein, it is necessary to provide for uninterrupted movement of the clothesline with the clothes attached thereto around the pulleys on which the clothesline assembly is movably mounted. Heretofore, in the prior known constructions, it has been ditlicult to achieve this purpose since the limit of movement of the clothesline has normally been limited by the construction of the pulleys on which the clothesline was mounted for movement and by the clothespins for holding the clothes on the line. In the present invention, the clothesline is mounted on spaced pulleys in such a manner as to define a twin line construction, the twin lines being located in substantially a horizontal plane. By locating the twin lines in the horizontal plane, the clothes may be suspended from either length of line simultaneously such that they will not interfere with each other. The present invention further employs a unique clothespin that is permanently attached to the clothesline and is of such a shape and contiguration as to permit the clothes to be moved around the pulleys on the lines on which they are mounted. The clothespin embodied herein -thus permits the clothes to be conveniently suspended from both lengths of clothesline and further to be easily moved around the pulleys when the use of the device draws the clothes to a removal station.

It has been found that when the spaced horizontal lines that define the complete clothesline are mounted on the pulleys that are located in spaced apart relation, there is a tendency `for the clothesline to ride off the flanges of the pulleys. In order to prevent the clothesline from riding ott` the flanges of the pulley, the pulleys in the present invention are mounted such that the axes thereof are located in nonparallel relation with respect to each other and are furthermore inclined with respect to the vertical. By locating the pulleys in this manner, the plane through which the twin lines generally extend forms an acute angle with respect to the axes of the pulleys. The clothesline is thus prevented from engaging the ilanges of the pulleys and is thereby prevented from riding thereot during movement of the clothesline around the pulleys.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a clothesline construction that includes spaced pulleys, the axes of which are inclined with respect to each other and with respect to the vertical.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clothesline construction that includes a clothesline that is formed in a continuous length to define a pair of twin lines that are disposed in spaced relation in a generally horizontal plane.

Still another object is to provide a clothesline construction which includes a clothesline mounted on spaced pulleys, the plane in which the clothesline is located formi United States Patent O 3,190,455 Patented .lune 22, 1965 rice ing an acute angle with respect to the axes of the pulleys.

Still another object is to provide a pulley construction for use with a clothesline wherein the axis of the pulley is inclined with respect to the vertical, thereby preventing riding ofi of the clothesline as it moves around the pulley during the operation thereof.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying' illustrative drawings.

Still ano-ther object is to provide a clothesline assembly that includes a plurality of clothespins that are permanently attached to the clothesline with which they are employed.

Still ano-ther object is to provide a clothespin that is molded of a plastic material in a one piece construction and includes an integral portion for permanently attaching the clothespin to a clothesline.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. l is an elevational view of the clothesline construction embodied herein showing the inclined position of the pulleys and the relationship of the clothesline with respect thereto;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the clothesline construction illustrated in FlG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the pulleys, portions of the bracket on which the pulley is mounted being broken away and other portions being shown in section;

FG. 4 is an enlarged view in elevation with parts shown in section, a bracket and pulley embodied herein.

FIG. 5 is an elevational View with parts shown in section similar to FIG. 4, illustrating a modied bracket construction and means for mounting a pulley thereon; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective View of a clothespin, showing the attachment thereof to a clothesline.

Referring now to the drawing, the clothesline construction embodied herein is generally indicated at 10 and as shown includes a clothesline that is formed in a continuous length to define spaced lines 12 and 14. The spaced lines 12 and 14 are generally parallel to each other and are located in a substantially horizontal plane.

In order to mount the clothesline in position, spaced standards 16 and 18 are provided, and may take the form of any well-known construction, such as a post, pole or the like. 1t is also understood that either of the standards 16 and 1h may be formed as part of a wall construction if it is so desired. Secured to the standards 16 and 1S, respectively, are brackets generally indicated at 20 and 22. Brackets Ztl and 22 are identically formed and include spaced side walls 24 and 26 to which reduced end walls 23 and 3@ are joined. The end walls are formed with suitable openings 32 therein through which bolts 34 extend for securing the brackets to the standards 16 and 18. Joined to the side walls 24 and Z6 and bent at right angles with respect thereto is a bottom plate 36 to which an extension bracket 33 is joined. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the extension bracket extends outwardly from the bottom plate 35 between the spaced lines 12, 14 and is reduced in width with respect to the width of the bottom plate 36. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the extension bracket 3S has a substantially U-shaped configuration terminating in a generally bent end portion 4t?, the outermost portion of which is slightly inclined to the horizontal.

In order to mount the spaced lines 12 and 14 of the clothesline for movement, pulleys generally indicated at 42 and 44 are provided. The pulleys 42 and 44 are also identically constructed, and reference to pulley 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be made hereto. It is understood that pulley 42 is formed in the same manner as will be described hereinafter. The pulley 44 includes'a body or sleeve 4S that isrnounted for rotation on a shaft 46. Secured to the ends of thev sleeve 48 are space-d parallel flanges 50 and 52, flanges 50, SZ'being secured to the sleeve V418 in any well-known manner, such as by pinsor nails 54. Formed in the flanges, 52 are central open-v ings through which theshaft 46 extends, the flanges' 5l), Y.:

52 being rotatable with the sleeve 48 on the shaft 46. Y The shaft 46 is fixed to the bracket 22, and for this purpose extends through an inclined opening located in an enlarged portion 56 that is formed as part of the bottom plate 36 and through an' opening formed in the bent end portion 40 of theextensionplate.y The uppermost end ofthe shaft 46V is threaded and receives a nut 58 ink threaded engagement therewith, the nut 5S locking the shaft '46 to the bracket 22. A lockwasher 60 maybe interposedY bethus will be prevented from riding off the pulleys even vthough the load in the form'of clothes will cause some tially U-shaped clothespins 72 are provided and as shown tween the nut 5S and .the fitting56. A'secondnut 62 receives the shaft 46 therein Vand is located below .the fitting 56Vforadjustrnent of the shaft vwith respect to the bracket 22 A bearing washer 64 is Vlocated -between `tbe nut 62v and the flange Sti for mounting the flange 59 for rotation with respect to lthe nut 62. As `seen in FIG. 4,

the opening in the enlarged portion 56 is inclined Vwith p respect to the lbottom plate 36 and cooperates With'the bent end portion 40 of the extension bracket 3S to' locate the shaft 46 such that it is inclined with respect to the,

vertical. As will hereinafter be described, the inclination of the shaft 46 and and the pulley mounted thereon is;

critical to the operation of the device embodied herein.

The lower endof the shaft-46 is secured in position byV collar 63 to receive the inclined outer end of the portion 40 therebetween. The collar 66 is provided lwith a set screw 70 for locking the collar 66 to the shaft/46 and a bearing washer 70 is disposed bet-Ween the collar 68 and the flange 52, the flange 52 thereby being mountedy for p rotation with the sleeve 48 and flange 50 on the shaft 46.`

It is seenthat the pulley 44 includes the sleeve 48 and Y of the pulleys 42 and 44 during movement thereon, and

atthe same time reducing the friction between the clothesline and the pulleys, that the axes of the pulleys 42 and 44 are inclined with respect to the vertical. .As illustrated moreclearly in FIG. 4, the shaft 46 is disposed at an angle with respect to the vertical, this inclination being possible due to the inclined opening formed in the enlarged portion 54 of the bracket 22. By further locating the bent end portion 40 such that the opening formed therein is at an angle with'respect to .the opening formed Vin the enlarged portion 54, the shaft 46 that extends through the openings willbe locked in position at an angle with respect to the vertical.Y With the shaft 46 so disposed, the sleeve 4S 4and the parallel flanges 50 and 52 that deline the pulley are also inclined. t Y

Referring now to FIG. l, ythe clothesline as .represented by the spaced lines -12 and 14 extends around the sleeves 4S of the pulleys 42 .and 44, but since thelines 12V and 14 are located in substantially a horizontal plane, this plane forms an acute angle with respectto the axes of the pulleys 42, 44. It is seen that sincethe lines 12 and 14 form an acute angle with Vrespect to the axes of the pulleys 42 .and 44, the lines will be spaced lfrom'thc peripheral edges of the flanges 52 and will' be prevented Y rubbing thereagainst during movement of the clothesline the clothesline` as j in FIGS. 1, Zand 6 are adapted'tobe permanently secured to the lines'llZ and 14 in spaced apart relation. Each of the clothespins-72 isformedvo'f a semi-rigidplastic material that has resilient yproperties and asshown in FIG. 6

has a configuration that provides for being received on the clothesline. Theclothespin 72 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes opposed legs 74 and76 that are internally curved to conform to the yconfiguration lof the clothesline but that are adapted to be slightly flexed whenengaging the clothesline so as to impart a light gripping action thereon. It isseen that'the clothespin 72 maybe placed over thearticle'ofY clothing to be suspended from the line and in engagement ,with the line to securely clamp the article thereon. Sincev the legs 74 and 76 do not project substan- Htially'beyond the line, the lin-e may be moved withclethes attachedV around lthe pulleys; withoutr interference; of the clothesY or clothespins with the operation of the clothesline or the pulleys. As the clothes move .around the pulleys they fall over the flanges 452, the clothespins 72 retaining the clothes on the line in clamped relation.v The unique configuration of the clothespins and the inclined position of the pulleys further aids in avoiding interference between the clothespins and `clothes with the pulleys during operation of the device.

Y In order to preventinadvertent loss of the clothespins and to have them available at all times, the clothespins are adapted to be permanently secured to theA clothesline and `for this purpose are formed with integral. extensions 78 that are secured to the clothesline in som-e suitablel fashion, such as by clamps or the'lke;v As illustratedin FIG. 6, the extension 78 joined to the clothespins-72 is secured to line14 and is of suchia length so asy to permit the .clothespin to be conveni-entlyrnounted on the line in securmg relation around an article of clothing. The clothes- Y pins may be normally positioned on the'line, or,'as shown iu FIG. l, they may lne-allowed to depend from the line by the1r extensions T8. `As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the clothespins are placed a predetermined distance apart on a line and are disposed in staggered relation with respect to the clothespins onthe adjacent line.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a modified form of a bracket construction for mounting a pulley thereon is generally indicated atll. The bracket construction 80 is generally similar to the brackets 20,V 22 but differs therefrom in the manner of retaining the 'pulley in position thereon. As shown in FIG. 5, the bracket construction St) includes spaced sidewalls 82, 84 to which are joined reduced end Walls (not shown) for securing the bracket construction to the side Walls 82, 84 and is formed with an integral enlarged portion 88 through which an inclined opening 90 on the pulleys. As the lines are moved with clothes susis bored. Eliminated frornvthe bracket construction S0 is the reduced bracket extension 38, the pulley 44, illustrated in FIG. 5, being retained inposition solely by a shaft 92 that has a head portionr94 formed on the lower end thereof. lThe shaft 92 extends through the sleeve 48 of the pulley 44 and is formed with a reduced threaded section 96 at the upper endthereof that projects through the enlarged portion 83. A nut 98 threadably engages the upper end of the reduced extension 96 and cooperates with the headportion 94 to lock the pulley 44 on the shaft 92. It is seen that the pulley is located in the required 3,1 angular position by simply boring the opening 90 in the enlarged portion 38 at the prescribed angle with respect to the vertical. The shaft 92 is thus locked in position Within the opening 90 in inclined relation and supports the pulley thereon as illustrated.

While there is shown and described herein certain specitic structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a clothesline construction, a pair of spaced-apart supports, a pair of brackets, each of which is fixed to a support against movement and including a bottom plate and side plates joined to said bottom plate, said bottom plate being generally horizontal, a pulley mounted for rotation on each of said brackets, each of said pulleys being xed to the horizontal bottom plate of a bracket and including a shaft, a sleeve mounted on said shaft for movement with respect thereto and opposed parallel flanges secured to said sleeve, the plane of said flanges being perpendicular to the axis of `said shaft, each of said shafts being xed to the bottom plate of one of said brackets such that the shafts are located in nonparallel relation with respect to each other and are inclined with respect to the vertical and said bottom plate, said parallel anges thereby being inclined with respect to the horizontal, and a clothesline extending around the sleeves of said pulleys to define spaced parallel lines from which clothes are suspended, said spaced parallel lines extending in a generally horizontal plane and engaging only 5 the sleeves of said pulleys and being out of contact with the parallel flanges thereof in order to prevent the clothesline from riding oiF the pulleys.

2. in a clothesline construction, a pair of spaced-apart supports, a pair of brackets, each of which is xed to a support against movement, a pulley mounted for rotation on each of said brackets, each of said pulleys including a shaft on which a sleeve is mounted for rotation with respect thereto, and opposed parallel tlanges secured to said sleeve, said shafts being mounted on said brackets in nonparallel relation with respect to each other and the axis thereof being inclined With respect to the vertical, and a clothesline extending around the sleeves of said pulleys to deine spaced parallel lines from which clothes are suspended, said spaced parallel lines extending in a generally 'horizontal plane, said clothesline deiining an acute angle with respect to said anges and engaging only the sleeves of said pulleys and being out of contact with the parallel flanges thereof in order to prevent the clothesline from riding ott the pulleys.

Preferences 'Cited by the Examiner UNlTED STATES PATENTS 387,225 8/88 Gindroi 211--1 19.03

696,234 3/02 Gornston 21l-1l9.03 1,359,081 11/20 Lipps 242-1l8.4 1,657,243 l/28 Daniels 248--3 00 X 2,181,878 12/39 Eckleberry 21l-119.03 X 2,532,674 12/50 Nelsen 24--137 2,545,347 3/51 Embree 248-300 2,681,206 6/54 Lassen 211-l19.03 X

CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. FRANK L. ABBOTT, Examiner. 

1. IN A CLOTHESLINE CONSTRUCTION, A PAIR OF SPACED-APART SUPPORTS, A PAIR OR BRACKETS, EACH OF WHICH IF FIXED TO A SUPPORT AGAINST MOVEMENT AND INCLUDING A BOTTOM PLATE AND SIDE PLATES JOINED TO SAID BOTTOM PLATE, SAID BOITTOM PLATE BEING GENERALLY HORIZONTAL, A PULLEY MOUNTED FOR ROTATION ON EACH OF SAID BRACKETS, EACH OF SAID PULLEYS BEING FIXED TO THE HORIZONTAL BOTTOM PLATE OF A BRACKET AND INCLUDING A SHAFT, A SLEEVE MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT FOR MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT THERETO AND OPPOSED PARALLEL FLANGES SECURED TO SAID SLEEVE, THE PLANE OF SAID FLANGES BEING PERPENDICULAR TO THE AXIS OF SAID SHAFT, EACH OF SAID SHAFTS BEING FIXED TO THE BOTTOM PLATE OF ONE OF SAID BRACKETS SUCH THAT THE SHAFT ARE LOCATED IN NONPARALLEL RELATION WITH RESPECT TO EACH OTHER AND ARE INCLINED WITH RESPECT TO THE VERTICAL AND SAID BOTTOM PLATE, SAID PARALLEL FLANGES THEREBY BEING INCLINED WITH RESPECT TO THE HORIZONTAL, AND A CLOTHESLINE EXTENDING AROUND THE SLEEVES OF SAID PULLEYS TO DEFINE SPACED PARALLEL LINES FROM WHICH CLOTHES ARE SUSPENDED, SAID SPACED PARALLEL LINES EXTENDING IN A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL PLANE AND ENGAGING ONLY THE SLEEVES OF SAID PULLEYS AND BEING OUT OF CONTACT WITH THE PARALLEL FLANGES THEREOF IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CLOTHESLINE FROM RIDING OFF THE PULLEYS. 